Feb. 5. Saw this morning the owner of the land. He told me that he awoke at three o'clock this morning and could not sleep again till five. While he was thus lying awake, his mind was all the time occupied about the piece of land, respecting which inquiry had been made of him for the building of an Orphan-House, at my request; and he determined, that if I should apply for it, he would not only let me have it, but for 120l. per acre, instead of 200l., the price which he had previously asked for it. How good is the Lord! The agreement was made this morning, and I purchased a field of nearly seven acres, at 120l. per acre.
Observe the hand of God in my not finding the owner at home last evening! The Lord meant to speak to His servant first about this matter, during a sleepless night, and to lead him fully to decide, before I had seen him.
Feb. 6. Two dolls were given for sale, and one of them was sold for 3s.
Feb. 7. Received from two of the Orphans 8d. and 4d. Also, one of the labourers in the Orphan-Houses gave 10s, and a poor man 3d.
Feb. 8. I wrote the day before yesterday to the architect, who has offered his help gratuitously.
Feb. 11. Received from a sister in the Lord 5l. Received also from the architect the following reply to my letter:
"My dear Sir,
"It will afford me a gratification, beyond what I can communicate by letter, to lend you a helping hand in the labour of love you are engaged in, and I shall esteem it a very great privilege being allowed to exercise my abilities as an architect and surveyor in the erection of the building you propose to erect for the Orphans. I really do mean what I say, and, if all is well, by the blessing of God, I will gratuitously furnish you with plans, elevations, and sections; with specification of the work, so that the cost may be accurately estimated. I will also make you an estimate and superintend the works for you gratuitously, &c."
Feb. 12. This afternoon a little parcel was brought to my house, containing ten sovereigns and a little slip of paper, on which was written:
"Dear Sir, I have sent you ten pounds for the New Orphan-House. It is the Lord's doing. Seek not to know my name."